Gorey troubled league leaders

ASHBOURNE GOREY 19 15

GOREY TRAVELLED to Leinster League Division 1A leaders Ashbourne on Saturday and nearly pulled off a victory in an exciting game that was riveting up to the last minute.

The visitors set out their stall early as they attacked Ashbourne straight from the kick-off. Gorey arrived deep in the Ashbourne ‘22 and phase after phase saw them almost cross for the opening try.

For the next 20 minutes Gorey kept the pressure on but Ashbourne, through a good scramble defence, kept their scoreboard clean.

But their line was eventually breached when Stephen Gardiner latched on to a sloppy Ashbourne line-out to power over for a try that was scant reward for almost total dominance in the opening quarter.

The Ashbourne response was not long in coming, and within five minutes they were level when, after Gorey were reduced to 14, they upped their effort to go in under the posts, although somehow they managed to miss the easiest of conversions.

Ashbourne had now got a foothold in the game and with two minutes left in the half the league leaders added a further try. This time from a difficult angle they added the conversion.

With the strong wind behind their backs, Gorey started the second-half as they had in the first with phase after phase of attacks. Gorey spent long periods deep in the Ashbourne ‘22. Again Ashbourne held firm with a number of picks and strong carries relieving the pressure.

On the 63rd minute Gorey landed a Stephen Horan penalty to leave four between the sides. Again it was scant reward for the effort they had exerted.

The game was now in the balance with both sides attacking at every opportunity and with both defences working hard.

But when you are league leaders and things are going your way it often proves the difference in games and this one was no different. On the 69th minute Asbourne landed a sucker punch when Gorey were again reduced to 14.

They landed the penalty just inside the visitors’ ‘22, and a number of phases later crossed for a try and from a difficult angle also added the conversion to take the score to 19-8.

But Gorey would not go away and when Ashbourne failed to deal with the re-start, Gorey pounced and a number of phases later Marty Swarts crossed for a try with Stephen Horan converting to leave four between the sides.

The final ten minutes were hectic as Gorey threw everything at the league leaders but just came up short on a day that they might see as a major step in the right direction against a very organised and determined Asbourne who showed why they’re in the All-Ireland Cup semi-final and leading Division 1A.

Gorey came away with a losing bonus point and with a bit of luck could have returned home with all four points. Best for Gorey were Stephen Gardiner, Darragh Bellanova and Jordan Ahearne in the pack, with Stephen Duke, James Nolan and man of the match Stephen Horan the best of a lively back Line.

This coming Saturday sees Gorey at home to Boyne at 2.30 p.m.

Gorey: D. Gregan, B. O’Connor, D. Bellanova, D. O’Leary, S. Gardiner, F. Bolger, K. Breen, J. Ahearne, G. Bater, M. Swarts, D. Shannon, R. Harrington, J. Nolan, S. Horan, S. Duke, C. Butler, E. Walsh, S. Hadden, P. O’Connor, W. Rothwell.

Ashbourne 15, Gorey 0: The Gorey J2s were also away to Ashbourne on Saturday and, after their good win the week before, came out on the wrong side when losing 15-0.

This was a game that saw Gorey shading the territory but struggling to break down a resolute home defence.

Gorey got off to a good start playing into the strong breeze with carries by Stanley Hadden and company making the hard yards.

But it was Ashbourne who struck first when, from broken play, a quick turnover saw them run in a good try which they converted to go 7-0 in front.

This was really against the run of play, as up to that Gorey had dealt comfortably with any threat. Ashbourne went on to add a penalty, before Gorey’s Cian Hadden was just wide with a penalty.

At half-time 10-0 seemed a slender lead and turning into the strong breeze Ashbourne would have had cause for concern.

After a bright re-start by Gorey for the first ten minutes, Ashbourne took control when they added a further try after some good carries by their forwards. They were just wide with the conversion.

Gorey did respond and put a number of good phases together, but they just could not break down a resolute Ashbourne defence. That was the way it stayed on a very disappointing day for Gorey.

Best for Gorey were Eoin Walsh, Remy Tuck and man of the match Stanley Hadden.

Next Saturday sees Gorey at home to table-toppers Boyne. Kick-off is at 1 p.m.

Gorey: W. Rothwell, E. Walsh, J. Mulligan, T. Jameson, L. Kinsella, K. Rothwell, R. Tuck, S. Hadden, S. Tomkins, C. Butler, C. Hatton, D. O’Neill, P. O’Connor, T. New, C. Hadden, R. Jones, B. Doyle, W. O Morchoe, J. Willoughby, A. Pampagnin.